Feb. 17, 2026
February marks Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month, a critical time to shine a light on a condition that remains the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for Americans 65 and older.1
Several organizations have developed social media graphics and fact sheets to help eye care professionals spread the word. These include statistics about AMD as well as information on behavior modifications, such as eating a healthy diet and quitting smoking.
The data provide a stark reminder of the challenge ahead. Currently, the risk of developing AMD sits at 1 in 8 by age 65, jumping to a staggering 1 in 3 by 75.2 With an aging population, the CDC projects that the number of people living with AMD will double by 2050.2 Survey after survey reveals that people fear vision loss more than any other health condition2, underscoring why early detection and education are more vital than ever.
A NEW ERA OF TREATMENT
While the numbers are daunting, the landscape of eye care is evolving rapidly. Several breakthroughs mark a transformative era for AMD treatment.
- Longer-lasting eye injections are reducing the treatment burden for those with late-stage wet AMD.
- New medications are available to slow the progression of late-stage dry AMD.
- The FDA recently approved light therapy—called photobiomodulation—as a noninvasive treatment option for patients with intermediate AMD.
- At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stem cell therapies to preserve or restore AMD-related vision loss are currently in human trials.
AMD may be a pervasive public health threat, but with early detection and the current pace of eye care innovation, the pathway to preserving our most precious sense is brighter than ever.
MORE QUICK AMD FACTS AND STATS
Prevent Blindness has created the following infographics that provide easy-to-read, relevant and timely information on AMD.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Access and download the full library of Prevent Blindness eye health and safety infographics here.
ACCESS IN SIGHT! AMD/LOW VISION ADVOCACY AND ACTION WEEK
The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) has declared the fourth week of February as Access in Sight! AMD/Low Vision Advocacy and Action Week, a public call-to-action to bring the attention of policy makers and the public to issues that affect the daily lives of people with vision loss caused by macular degeneration.
On Feb. 24, 2026, the AMDF, in partnership with the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research, will be in Washington D.C. to conduct in-person Hill visits to present their priorities to members of Congress. At noon, the AMDF will hold a congressional briefing on the state of macular degeneration in the U.S.
In preparation, the AMDF encourages you to visit, call or write to your federal officials.
Join the advocacy effort here.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/age-related-macular-degeneration.html
- https://www.macular.org/want-to-help/advocate/access-in-sight
Read more on the aging eye here.
